This biosphere reserve is situated in the Gulf of Tunis close to the Cap-Bon peninsula. Zembra Island is a mountainous island with a peak of 435 meters, consisting mostly of a Mediterranean maquis with Olea europea, Pistacia lentiscus, Arbutus unedo and Erica multiflora as dominating species. The Zembretta Island is located between the Zembra Island and the Cap-Bon. This island is a large rock formation, 400 meters long and 50 meters wide, and characterized by halophytic vegetation.The rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is present on both islands although it does not occur on the African continent. In the waters, Delphinus delphis can frequently be observed. The area is rich in waterfowls and marine invertebrate life.People have changed Zembra Island over many centuries, resulting in a degraded maquis landscape. However, today the area is strictly protected and no resource use takes place since only ten people live within the biosphere reserve (1999).